Creative Paths to Success

September 5, 2019

Does an arts high school graduate always end up on a “traditional” arts career path? Not necessarily, say enthusiastic alumni Eric Herbst '09 (Theater), Christine Luciano '08 (Dance), Katie Crowley '06 (Dance), Jordan McCullough '94 (Music), and Margot Schwarz Heilbronner '81 (Dance). These five alumni kicked off Reunion Weekend in May by sitting down with Antonio Viva, Head of School, at an all-School Assembly for a chat about their interesting and non-linear paths to success, and how a Walnut Hill education shaped their formative years for the better. 

An award-winning television producer and on-air correspondent, Eric Herbst '09 is currently the Senior Producer for Elliot Productions, where he develops, manages, and hosts prestigious events across the restaurant, retail, and hospitality industries. Eric is an honors graduate from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study and is currently continuing his studies at NYU's School of Professional Studies toward a Diploma in Coaching.

Christine Luciano ’08 earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and went on to dance professionally in NYC. Upon retiring from dancing, Christine created Align at Work—a company founded with the goal of bringing restorative movements to the workplace and promoting alignment between the body and the brain. 

Katie Crowley ’06 is a Project Manager at American Well, working with health systems to implement telehealth technology. Prior to joining American Well, Katie was a healthcare consultant at a firm in Boston and a Senior Client Engagement Manager at an automation start-up. She spent one season as a trainee with Charlotte Ballet after graduating from Walnut Hill and holds an undergraduate degree from Boston University and M.B.A. from Clark University. 

Jordan McCullough ’94 earned a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory, studying piano performance and orchestral conducting. He now works in Business Development with CBS Television, developing marketing and communications strategies across television, digital, and social platforms.

Margot Schwarz Heilbronner ’81 graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1985 with a B.A. in Art History, which fueled her passion for interior design. Margot has now been an interior designer for over 25 years and is the Founder and President of her own residential design firm, Hopkins Rose Interiors. She lives in Natick, making it easy to come to Walnut Hill frequently for performances!